22 
A SUBURBAN RAMBLE 
branch he can find, looking up into the sunshine and 
pouring out the ecstasy of a glad heart* Though 
abundant everywhere and profuse with his melody 
the Song Sparrow is always welcome as the spring. 
No other songster so well interprets the spirit of the 
season. 
Some less familiar visitors are active in the 
suburban brushwood. The Junco, dull and darkly 
grey, is yet conspicuous among the naked branches. 
He is singing now, and his low warble has the charm 
of rarity, though but a modest musical performance. 
The Junco's light brown beak seems an odd contrast 
with his dull colours, and he makes an enlivening 
display of white feathers as he flits into the Ever- 
greens. Nuthatches are creeping about on the Oaks, 
picking out the cocoons that are ready to awaken 
with the returning warmth — the brightest of the 
winter residents, who draw near in pity with the 
advent of spring. 
Among the scattered decay of the past year there 
is abundant evidence of nature's foresight. The 
ground leaves of the Asters have sustained their 
vitality under the snow through the long frosts, and 
are showing signs of renewed youth. The Winter- 
green has not even condescended to droop a leaf or 
stem, and its scarlet berries are shown in contrast 
against its rich green leaves. The Pipsissewa is also 
strong and erect, as bright as its melodious Indian 
